Palos Orland LWV Discuss Pros, Cons, Of Electoral College Wednesday At Orland Park Library

ORLAND PARK, IL—Is the electoral college a relic? Join speakers Meg Peo and Janet Musil, of the Palos Orland League of Women Voters, for an informative discussion exploring the complex history and historical context of the Electoral College in American elections.

The free event starts at 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, April 22, at the Orland Park Public Library, 14921 Ravinia Ave. Let the library know you’re coming by registering in advance.

Supporters of the Electoral College argue that the system balances power between large and small states, and prevents regional candidates from dominating elections.

Detractors argue that the Electoral College focuses too much on swing states and leads to an overrepresentation of smaller states. There is also the possibility of a candidate winning the Electoral College but not the popular vote. George Bush and Donald Trump each won the electoral college but lost the popular vote in 2000 and 2016, respectively.

While the electoral system dates back to medieval times, most countries have dropped the system. The United States is the only country that still uses the Electoral College.